Trade News

Vident recently hosted Nobel Biocare team members at its corporate office in Brea, Calif. The meeting provided an opportunity for Nobel Biocare and VITA to further delineate their preferred partner program and meet with members of the Vident Board of Directors, including Henry Rauter, owner of VITA.

In February of this year, VITA Zahnfabrik signed a preferred partnership agreement with Nobel Biocare to combine the products and expertise of two of the top dental services companies, including those related to material development, veneering solutions, commercial training and research partnerships.

"Nobel Biocare's vision of providing perfect end-to-end solutions combined with VITA's superior esthetics and flexibility among system choices provides an optimal match for our customers," said Bernie Jaroslow, senior product manager at Vident.

From left to right: Meghan Moore Rizzo, senior director of marketing, Vident; Michael van den Kolk, vice president of marketing, Nobel Biocare; Jerry Feeney, vice president of sales, Vident; Bernie Jaroslow, senior product manager, Vident; Robert Riggs, senior product manager, marketing, Nobel Biocare; Kim Solomon, Nobel Procera specialist, Nobel Biocare; Jim McGuire, technical support manager, Vident; Peter Murphy, Nobel Procera marketing manager, Nobel Biocare; Andy Klein, director of marketing communications, Vident; Fred Ketcho, president, Vident; Wayne Whitehill, chief executive officer, Vident; Martin Mendelson, director of education; Henry Rauter, owner and president, VITA.

The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions, is the foremost global business gathering in Asia.

"I was honored to represent Midmark at the World Economic Forum," said Klamar. "These important events provide a great opportunity to work with other corporate leaders to help drive economic progress and shape global, regional and industry initiatives and strategies that improve the state of the world."

In May, Klamar attended the 2010 World Economic Forum on Africa, held in Tanzania, which focused on unlocking Africa's growth potential. The three-day meeting provided participants with a platform for discussing how they are facing up to the challenges brought about by the economic crisis, and how they are using the crisis as an opportunity to redesign a sustainable roadmap for Africa's future.

This meeting, in particular, held special importance for Klamar as it represented a larger corporate and personal commitment of Midmark to the region. The company has worked with a number of non-profits to donate equipment to areas in need. Most recently, Midmark participated in the installation of a dental school facilitated by Miracle Corners of the World (MCW). MCW facilitated the complete re-equipping of the only dental school in the Republic of Tanzania located at Muhimbili University. Two young dental school technicians from the university visited Midmark's headquarters in Versailles in July as part of a three-week training program to receive technical training for repairing and maintaining dental equipment that was donated to the school.

Benco Dental has been named one of the Best Places to Work in PA (Pennsylvania) for 2010, marking the seventh time in eight years that Benco Dental has received this recognition. The Best Places to Work in PA program solicits surveys from participating companies' associates and compiles the results prior to assembling the final rankings. Benco Dental will be recognized at the Best Places to Work in PA evening awards ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, at the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, Pa.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part process to determine the 100 Best Places to Work in PA. Part of the process consists of an employee survey to measure the employee experience, making up approximately 75% of the total evaluation.

Your Dental Connection is the theme of the 36th annual Yankee Dental Congress® (YDC), New England's largest dental meeting, which will be held January 26-30 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

YDC is the fifth-largest dental meeting in the country and is sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society, in cooperation with the Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont dental associations. Close to 27,000 dental professionals are expected to attend.

YDC 36 is expected to feature more than 450 exhibitors. For more information on YDC 36, visit www.yankeedental.com.

Microflex Corporation has acquired Black Dragon® examination gloves from MedTexx. Black Dragon gloves are recognized as the pioneer in high quality disposable black latex examination gloves in the tattoo industry. According to Microflex, Black Dragon gloves feature excellent comfort, tack, and wet grip that will benefit users within all Microflex target markets.

With this acquisition, the Black Dragon brand will become wholly owned by Microflex Corporation.

Aribex, Inc., has announced that its NOMAD Handheld X-ray has been named as a runner-up in the medical device category of the 2010 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Awards. The awards recognize products that break from conventional processes.

"We're very pleased by this honor," said D. Clark Turner, PhD, President and CEO of Aribex. "This is our first national innovation award, and it feels great that our seven years of hard work and focus has paid off so successfully. We also appreciate being listed with the other highly notable companies that have received this distinction."

The Journal reports receiving nearly 600 applications from companies, organizations and individuals in 30 countries. Following a review from the publication's editors, about 275 entries were forwarded to a panel of judges from research institutions, venture-capital firms and other companies, and 49 entries were finally chosen for awards.

National Children's Oral Health Foundation: America's Toothfairy® (NCOHF) and The Dawson Academy have formed an alliance to provide volunteer dental services to promising at-risk teens and underserved children nationwide through Tomorrow's SMILES® and the America's Toothfairy Dental Home Program™.

Tomorrow's SMILES was created and initially funded by a gift from Dr. Ronald Goldstein, a highly respected clinician, author and lecturer. Through this partnership, Dawson Academy students and alumni will provide comprehensive restorative and esthetic treatment for at-risk students while educating them about the importance of maintaining their healthy Tomorrow's SMILES. In return, Tomorrow's SMILES students share these valuable lessons with elementary school children through the program's Pay-It-Forward component, ensuring that good oral hygiene habits are instilled early in a child's life.

Through the America's Toothfairy Dental Home Program, Dawson Academy clinicians across the country will adopt the care of underserved children in their community and give them a "dental home." Volunteer dental professionals donate comprehensive oral health care to a child in need, providing the building blocks necessary to ensure proper oral health practices and increased opportunities for future success.

Midmark Corporation and Direct Relief International have reached two milestones in equipment donations. By partnering in a long-term donation program, the organizations have donated more than 3,000 sterilizers and 6,000 exam tables to more than 71 medical facilities in 35 countries.

Direct Relief, a California-based nonprofit organization, provides critically needed equipment, supplies and medicines to local healthcare providers worldwide. Assistance programs offered by Direct Relief are tailored to each local partner's needs and provide healthcare services to people in rural areas where significant health challenges exist. The partnership between Midmark and Direct Relief, which began more than 10 years ago, was created to build the capacity of local healthcare facilities in underserved areas worldwide. Through product promotions, Midmark continues to donate equipment needed for these underserved areas.

"Midmark's donation programs are remarkable because they are the most consistent equipment donation programs in Direct Relief International's history," said Anthoula Randopoulos, vice president of philanthropic investment at Direct Relief International. "The programs are also some of our most sustainable, as they ensure a reliable, ongoing supply of medical equipment. It is one of our most scalable and effective partnerships."

Dental Health Products, Inc. (DHPI) has been awarded exclusive rights by DentiMax to sell Anturi® digital sensors. The product features the latest CMOS radiography and will complement almost all leading dental software that seamlessly integrates clinical, financial and digital X-ray needs into one user-friendly system. DHPI and DentiMax believe that Anturi will prove to be a valuable tool for dental practices across the United States.

The fourth in a series of Promising Practices Symposiums for Give Kids a Smile recently took place at the headquarters of the American Dental Association. This year's theme was Raising the Momentum Through Continuity of Care: Finding Dental Homes for America's Children.

All four symposiums have been made possible through a grant from the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation. Additionally, volunteers from the Foundation have moderated at each of the events.

This annual meeting is attended by dentists, hygienists, state and local dental association representatives, public health officials and representatives of the dental industry. Participants share ideas and successes of past GKAS programs in order to help others improve their efforts in the future.

ADA President Dr. Ron Tankersley (center), DTAF representative Tom Gallop of SS White (right) and DTAF Executive Director Kevin Thomas of 3M ESPE (left) are pictured.

"The images from the Anturi sensor are amazingly clear, if not the best I have seen in sometime; it takes dental imaging to a new level for the industry" states Steve Desautel, DHPI's vice president of sales and marketing.

For more information go to www.dhpionline.com/anturi.

Patterson Dental recently launched a major breast cancer awareness initiative called Grins for a Good Cause, leveraging the strength of 75 local Patterson branches across the nation.

Through this vast outreach, branches partner with local breast cancer organizations to hold events and fundraising activities that support breast cancer awareness in their communities.

"With activities taking place in communities throughout the U.S., we hope to make a significant impact on breast cancer awareness efforts," said Paul Guggenheim, president of Patterson Dental. "Grins for a Good Cause events present exciting opportunities to work together with local, recognized groups in the fight against breast cancer."

Patterson Dental also announced that a portion of proceeds from products purchased by dental professionals from the Grins for a Good Cause flyer are donated to a local breast cancer awareness organization (selected by Patterson) in the customers' area. The flyer includes products to promote awareness efforts in dental practices all year long.

Sabra Dental Products' select line of high speed handpieces has been awarded CE certification, allowing Sabra to offer them throughout Eurasia and Australia.

Sarba is also looking for qualified dental dealers to distribute the line as a new profit center.

For more information, send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.sabradent.com.

3M ESPE has launched a new brand for its recently acquired line of small diameter implants — 3M™ ESPE™ MDI Mini Dental Implants. Formerly branded as the IMTEC Sendax MDI System, the products will be fully integrated into the 3M ESPE organization over the remainder of the year.

Henry Schein, Inc., recently worked with its non-governmental organization (NGO) partners — Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, Americares, and Heart to Heart — to deliver essential health care supplies to victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan, which left more than 1,000 dead, an estimated 4 million homeless, and more than 15 million people affected.

The disaster response effort is part of Henry Schein Cares, the company's global social responsibility program. To aid in the immediate response to emergencies around the world, Henry Schein Cares partners with international relief organizations and ensures that these organizations consistently have Henry Schein health care products in their warehouses ready to go when disasters strike.

"Coordination of relief efforts to areas affected by disaster is essential, and we applaud the work of our NGO partners that are working with local organizations on the ground in Pakistan where health care facilities were destroyed, and ensuring that donated health care supplies are being used effectively and efficiently," said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and chief executive officer of Henry Schein. "Henry Schein's work to help the people of Pakistan is part of our ongoing commitment to give back to society, which has marked our company for nearly eight decades. As we have grown into a multinational corporation, the scope of this responsibility has grown proportionately."

DENTSPLY Prosthetics recently sponsored BonaDent's John Ackley, implant and precision manager, to participate in a delegation of dental industry thought leaders for a two-day implant meeting in Belgium. The group convened to share expertise and trade insights into the state of implant technologies, specifically ISUS, DENTSPLY's solution for Implant SUpraStructures. DENTSPLY ES Healthcare, manufacturer of ISUS bars and bridges, invited the group to tour their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the picturesque, age-old town of Hasselt.

ES Healthcare manufactures CAD-designed and CAM-milled implant bars and substructures for the global market. At the ES Healthcare facility, Ackley and the Dentsply group test-drove new CAD/CAM design software, reviewed new product lines, and discussed platform and implant system cross-compatibility.

Designed and milled with CAD/CAM precision, ISUS Bars and Bridges are screw-retained directly on the implants and designed to accommodate more than 200 implant systems. Through transatlantic exchange, DENTSPLY and longtime partner, BonaDent are guiding the North American market toward greater use of ISUS technologies.

Darby Dental Supply, LLC, recently expanded its extensive product offering by adding a wide selection of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) oral care products.

Under a newly-signed distribution agreement with GlaxoSmithKline, Darby is now an authorized distributor of GlaxoSmithKline's full line of Sensodyne® and Sensodyne® ProNamel™ toothpastes; Biotène® hygiene and relief moisturization products; Aquafresh® toothpastes, Aquafresh® Direct® toothbrushes, and Aquafresh® White Trays®; Polident® tablets and Dentu-Crème®; Super Poligrip® denture adhesive pastes, powders, and comfort seal strips; and Abreva® On the Go cold sore treatment cream.

According to Darby president Gary Rosenberg, "GSK is a long-standing leader in the therapeutic oral care segment of the dental industry, and we look forward to a long-term and successful partnership. Now, dentists across the county can benefit by ordering GSK products from Darby because of our extremely competitive pricing and superior customer service."

The GlaxoSmithKline agreement is the latest development in Darby's aggressive product line expansion initiative. In April, Darby expanded its offerings with KaVo® handpieces and small equipment. That same month, Darby became an authorized seller of KODAK Digital Imaging Systems products. In September of 2009, Darby became an authorized national distributor for DCI Equipment™'s chairs, stools, lights and delivery systems, as well as Pelton & Crane® subsidiary, Delta Q™ Sterilizers.

ImageWorks and Sleep Group Solutions (SGS) have reached an agreement whereby SGS will distribute and promote the NewTom VGi Flex mobile units for sleep disorders in the United States and Canada. Having a patient treated for dental sleep disorder and providing a NewTom VGi 3D Cone Beam CT scan, the patient can expect a more accurate airway assessment and a quicker and more effective treatment plan.

By joining forces, SGS and ImageWorks will leverage the dental sleep seminars and the widespread availability of mobile units at seminars to further show the need for proper diagnosis using a Cone Beam CT scanner.

Midmark Corporation was recently selected by the Benjamin W. Dunn Dental Clinic at Lackland Air Force Base, the largest dental clinic in the U.S. Air Force, to provide and install 82 dental operatories. A team of Midmark customer service, technical support and logistics specialists joined with men and women from the Air Force in removing old equipment and installing new operatories over a weekend. The weekend installation was crucial in avoiding an interruption in the dental services provided by the clinic.

A dinner was recently held to honor Marv Ashworth (right), who sells Proofs as well as other PennWell publications. Ashworth has worked for PennWell for more than 50 years, and is loved and respected by his PennWell friends and throughout the dental industry.

Lyle Hoyt (left), publisher of Proofs, hosted the dinner at a Tulsa restaurant.

"With 82 operatories, the Dunn Dental Clinic provides dentistry services every day to men and women who serve our country, so it was vital that we work to ensure a smooth installation over a weekend without interrupting the clinic's regular schedule," said Eric Shirley, Midmark vice president and general manager, dental division. "We began replacing equipment on a Friday afternoon and the entire clinic was functioning with new operatories by Monday morning."

The Dunn Dental Clinic provides dental health services for all active duty personnel in the 37th Training Wing and several other military training groups. In addition, the Dunn Dental Clinic is part of the Air Force dental residency training flagship, which also includes MacKown Dental Clinic. The Dunn Clinic offers an advanced general dentistry residency program, a Tri-Service orthodontic residency program and a number of dental continuing education programs.

Sybron Dental Specialties (SDS), Inc. recently unveiled the Sybron Learning Center (SLC), a state-of-the-art continuing education center designed to provide dental professionals the opportunity to demonstrate and learn cutting-edge best practices.

The 15,000+ square foot facility is located directly adjacent to the Disneyland® Resort Theme Parks in Anaheim.

This cutting-edge learning center is equipped with the latest laboratory and multimedia technologies, including full film and broadcast capability, a primary surgery suite, a 200-seat auditorium and a 50-person bench laboratory with adjoining observation room, four fully functional operatories and an X-ray room equipped with 3-D panoramic, pan/ceph, and intraoral X-ray imaging.

"Sybron Dental Specialties further commits to our already high-quality educational offerings across all of our business units through the addition of the Sybron Learning Center," said Daniel Even, president of SDS. "Continuing education through our network of key opinion leaders has always been a Sybron trademark for spreading the message on our great products and new technologies."

CarieScan LLC has established its North American presence with a new office in Charlotte, N.C. The office is responsible for the sales and marketing of the CarieScan PRO™, sold exclusively through Patterson Dental.

The CarieScan PRO is a highly accurate, easy-to-use handheld device for the early detection and monitoring of dental caries. It not only measures the presence of tooth decay, but also identifies lesions at their earliest stage and is more than 90% accurate in detecting both sound and carious teeth.

For more information on CarieScan PRO, visit www.cariescan.com.

Sirona recently broke ground on its state-of-the-art Innovation Center at the Sirona campus in Bensheim, Germany.

The center will house the largest R&D team in the dental industry, a technology training center and laboratory, all in a modern, 8,000-square-meter facility.

"The Innovation Center represents a continuation of our investment in research and development and sets the stage for our ongoing innovation excellence," said Jost Fischer, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our commitment is underscored by our research and development investment of over $250 million in the last six years, or 6 to 7% of our total revenues.

The inauguration is expected to take place in March of 2011, to coincide with International Dental Show in Cologne.

Materialise Dental, which develops 3D technology solutions for implant practices, oral and maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists, and Vatech America, Inc., provider of 3D scanning equipment, have formed a strategic partnership to deliver diagnostic and treatment planning products and services to their customers.

Under the agreement, users of Vatech's 3D imaging equipment will have the ability to use the industry leading SimPlant® treatment planning software and the capability of ordering SurgiGuide® drill guides (custom made through stereolithography) that can reside on the teeth, mucosa, or even on bone.

As part of KOMET USA's endeavor to ensure that its workplace remains one of the premier jobsites in the world, employees recently participated in an independent opinion survey administered by The Employers Association (TEA). Nine specific areas were surveyed in order to accurately assess all aspects of the workplace. In every area, KOMET USA scored well above TEA standards.

The survey results showed that KOMET USA employees are extremely satisfied in their jobs, from the available growth, training, and development opportunities to the company's commitment to employees, customers, and the business as a whole. Employees also expressed an unwavering confidence in management, citing a team mentality that runs throughout the company. Staff members reported that they are encouraged to express their opinions on business matters and that the company maintains a forthcoming attitude about its direction and status. As a result, employee morale is exceptionally high, a factor that benefits both the company and its customers.